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Deer Valley Unified School District

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Learning in Any Language: Certified Foreign Language Instruction

 

Chinese Dragon

In order to fulfill our vision statement of graduating lifelong learners to "successfully compete, lead, and positively impact the world", DVUSD brings students into a changing and more inclusive world through Dual Language Immersion (DLI).

You may have many questions about DLI and if it is right for your child, but in short DLI offers an opportunity for a child to develop literacy skills in two languages: English and another world language.  Through immersion, children are able to acquire a second language naturally as they learn academic content.

Why should you consider a dual immersion course of study for your child?

  • Students in DLI programs demonstrate increased executive functioning. Research indicates dual immersion students typically increase problem-solving skills, have greater creativity and divergent thinking, express better memory and longer attention spans, and show increased verbal and spacial abilities.

  • The goals of DLI are for students to become bilingual and biliterate, to attain high levels of academic achievement, and to be able to understand and appreciate other cultures.

  • DLI is available to K-8 students, although the suggested entry grade level is kindergarten or 1st grade. However, older students may enter the program if they have prior experience with the language. In K-6, approximately 50% of the instructional day is spent in the partner language. In grades 7-8, students will spend 33% of their day in their partner language. 

  • DVUSD currently offers two immersion languages: Mandarin (at Gavilan Peak School and Desert Sage Elementary) and Spanish (at Union Park School).

Unlike many charter and private schools, DVUSD's Dual Language Immersion is not merely a formal Rosetta Stone course.  Our teachers are skilled at communicating in the partner language in a simplified way so that their students understand what they mean. Teachers use a variety of strategies such as pictures, gestures, and manipulatives in order to promote comprehension and confidence.

For more information, visit the DLI page on the DVUSD website. If you're ready to register, start the application process now.

Other World Languages Offered

 

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If your child does not want to take part in DLI classes, he or she can still learn about other cultures through standard world language classes as early as kindergarten. DVUSD offers Mandarin, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language (ASL) at numerous campuses.

High school students who specialize in a particular language can also test for the Arizona Seal of Biliteracy. In addition to the benefits of learning a second language shared earlier, many colleges seek students who can speak a foreign language, and many employers also seek employees who are bilingual and biliterate in a growing global economy.